Shobnall to Acton Trussell

                         

 Sunday 30^th August – Monday 31^st August

At home.

Tuesday 1^st September

Following a blood test for Steve and collecting medication for both of us, we retraced our steps from home to Shobnall Marina. We stayed in the marina while we had lunch and then we, very carefully, reversed out of our mooring spot. This was accomplished with no problem, avoiding the obstruction which had caused the trouble when we arrived.

The day had brightened and warmed up after a chilly start. Today’s plan was to make the short journey to Branston and moor near The Bridge Inn where we had booked a meal to celebrate our wedding anniversary. After mooring and having a cup of tea, I walked along to Tatenhill Lock and back by the water park path. Later in the evening, we enjoyed an excellent meal at The Bridge.

                                                            Branston Water Park

Miles: 1.25                  Locks: 1                    Total Miles: 74.50              Total Locks: 37

 Wednesday 2^nd September

With rain promised for later, we were on the move soon after 8.30. A boat went into Tatenhill Lock ahead of us, but we were soon through ourselves. We had a very good run through the next five locks, (Barton Turn, Wychnor, Alrewas, Bagnall and Common), as there were a lot of boats coming down, so we were able to go straight into the lock, didn’t have to close top gates and there were always crew from other boats to help. Added entertainment was provided at Alrewas Lock, where the dog from the boat which had just descended refused to get back on her boat. Her owner moored up and came back to collect her, but she evaded him for some considerable time before he was able to catch her. 

We saw Wanderin’ Bark and the Jam Butty moored in Alrewas village, but no-one was on board. I hope we see them somewhere on our travels – I need chilli jam! The five locks at Fradley Junction took a bit longer than the previous five as there were boats going in both directions, but we had help from some VLKs so were not really delayed. Looking for a mooring above Shadehouse Lock, we were able to slide into a space vacated by a boat heading for the lock. Good timing as almost as soon as we had tied up, the rain started and continued for several hours.

 Miles: 7.25                  Locks: 11                 Total Miles: 81.75                  Total Locks: 48

Thursday 3^rd September

Unlike yesterday, today’s weather is forecast to be better this afternoon than this morning. There was a lot of rain overnight and this continued until about 10.00. So we had a cup of coffee and then set off. I walked along the towpath to Wood End Lock. Considering the amount of rain we had had over the last 24 hours, the towpath was in remarkably good condition.

There was a boat waiting to go into the lock. So I helped the VLK work that one through and then set the lock for us. That was the only lock for today.

We stopped for lunch in Rugeley; as we boated through Rugeley, we saw 3 families of swans each with 3 or 4 cygnets. 

We made our way to the Taft where Peter and Julie Thorn were expecting us. They have set up a Covid-19 safe area for refreshments – either end of a big table in their covered barbeque area. It was lovely to see them and chat with them, and to be so enthusiastically greeted by Amber the dog.

 

                                                       Chyandour at The Taft

We went for a walk before our evening meal while there was still some warmth in the sunshine.

                            

                                                Sunset at The Taft

Miles: 9.50                 Locks: 1                Total Miles: 91.25                        Total Locks: 49

 

Friday 4^th September

Before 8 o’clock, a boat passed us on its way to Colwich Lock, so we thought we’d better get a move on and leave too before a queue built up. By the time we got to the lock, we were following one boat, one was coming down the lock and there were another two behind us. And all before 8.30!

We had booked a visitor’s slot online at Shugborough, so we moored at Essex Bridge and wandered up to the car park to get signed in. We had coffee and cake in their tea-room and then enjoyed a good walk around the grounds (the house is still not open) before returning to the boat to continue on our way. 

                          

                                      Essex Bridge - 16thC packhorse bridge over River Trent

    

                                                        Shugborough Hall

We went up Haywood Lock and then turned onto the Staffs and Worcs canal at Great Haywood. Tixall Wide was crowded so we continued through Tixall Lock and had lunch on the move before stopping for a pump-out at Stafford Boat Club. We moored at a pleasant spot opposite fields above Deptmore Lock.

The weather for most of the day had been grey and cool, though the sun had come out briefly while we were at Shugborough.

Miles: 9.00                  Locks: 4                Total Miles: 100.25           Total Locks: 53